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Homebrew Equipment A place to show, design and discuss the weird and wonderful electronic creations from the hands of individual members. |
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24th Jul 2017, 5:14 am | #41 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,191
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
Another company that used to expect their instruments to be repaired was HP (in the good old days...). I've got HP test gear with an extender board for all the plug-in PCBs stored inside, for example.
Now as to miniaturisation and neatness... There are times that miniaturisation matters for technical reasons (stray capacitance being the obvious example). And plenty of times when it doesn't. I don't care if my special-purpose meter, used in my workshop, is in a case the size of a Fluke 70 series or in a 3U rack box. The latter might be easier to use as the controls are likely to be more widely spaced. I don't even care for things I have to carry around. If I am carrying a reasonable toolkit, then whether the special test set is in a Fluke-sized case or a larger plastic box from RS doesn't make much difference to be honest. The idea that everything has to be as small as possible is in most cases simply 'fashion' which has no place in my workshop. As for 'well machined', firstly some of us do have reasonable workshops and can turn out (pun totally intented!) spacers, knobs, brackets, milled rectangular holes in panels, etc. And secondly, again, does it matter? A display window that's not a perfect rectangle, or controls labelled with a 'Sharpie' will not affect the accuracy of the results. |
24th Jul 2017, 10:15 am | #42 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 3,687
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
A lot of the "minaturised" kit is actually easier to work on. The killer is poor designs, particularly as promoted by Tektronix. So you want to replace the HV module? See you at 3AM covered in blood and swearing. One of the nicest things I've ever worked on was a reasonably new digital HP 54601 scope. There was a burned tant on the main board. It was SMD, easy to get to and replace!
My own creations think about access first because I *know* I'm going to have to go in there and change something at some point. |
24th Jul 2017, 11:40 am | #43 | |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK.
Posts: 7,457
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
Quote:
Al. |
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24th Jul 2017, 11:43 am | #44 | |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK.
Posts: 7,457
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
Quote:
Al. Last edited by Skywave; 24th Jul 2017 at 11:46 am. Reason: Add 2nd. quote |
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27th Jul 2017, 10:00 pm | #45 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Greater Manchester, UK.
Posts: 18,676
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
Quote:
https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/...1&d=1501189044 Graham. G3ZVT |
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27th Jul 2017, 10:41 pm | #46 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,801
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
Ah, I understand.
It simply isn't a recognisable expensive enough brand. David
__________________
Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done |
27th Jul 2017, 11:04 pm | #47 |
Heptode
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Worthing, Sussex, UK.
Posts: 661
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
You should have branded it with your name - then it can be shown off to all visitors with pride (hopefully)
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27th Jul 2017, 11:45 pm | #48 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Hexham, Northumberland, UK.
Posts: 2,234
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
I have a home made nixie tube clock in the living room which often provides interest to visitors as it is "unique". My wife tolerates it's presence but on occasion something gets placed in front of it, obscuring the display. Borderline. I don't think she appreciates odd home made electronic gadgets in the house. For some reason she doesn't mind an Airfix model of a Catalina flying boat on display that I made a while ago when I was off work. Odd. Very odd.
Alan. |
28th Jul 2017, 7:56 pm | #49 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Solihull, West Midlands, UK.
Posts: 4,872
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
Someone married to Biggles could hardly object to a flying boat! Do Ginger and Algy drop in for a drink from time to time?
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28th Jul 2017, 9:14 pm | #50 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Hexham, Northumberland, UK.
Posts: 2,234
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
I wish, Dave. I could have some interesting conversations with them! The name all stems from when I was in my teens and wore a genuine WWII flying jacket, which I still have incidentally. My Dad gave it to me when I started riding motorbikes. The nickname stuck. He was in the RAF for a while. Then I joined the Civil Aviation Authority. And that was that. I have a good photo with me wearing it. I have been tempted to use it as my avatar.
Alan. |
28th Jul 2017, 11:55 pm | #51 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 9,637
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
Give in! Which reminds me, you can't get wire coat hangers these days, plastic doesn't look right!
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29th Jul 2017, 6:43 am | #52 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,801
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Re: Build your own? A discussion.
Wire coat hangers aren't available because they're no longer needed - most cars now have radio aerials embedded in windows.
David
__________________
Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done |